Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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Setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters
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Leadership Articles Index
The use of these articles are for our clients only. You must have permission from Sorrell Associates to use these articles in any format. We add articles to this page constantly. With over 4000 articles currently in our archive it will take some time to get them on this page. Keep checking back. Want to submit an article? Click Here L101 Characteristics Of An Outstanding Leader Wisdom is one of the primary characteristics of an outstanding leader - leaders have an insatiable curiosity for discovering and learning new things. Leadership and learning go together. If you have… Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L108 Distinction: Visionary Vs. LeaderDefinitionsVisionary - someone who sees things that don’t exist yet Leader - someone who influences people Comparisons: idea oriented vs. people oriented excited by the new vs. excited by reality Example: Kerrie had radical ideas about how... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
TM105 "Three key roles in team leadership"
Leadership roles involve many skills, from being a good compromiser, to functioning as the group conscience by keeping discussion moving toward the common goal. At your next meeting, try one or more of these techniques: Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L110 Traits of a successful leader Cumulative research of effective leaders has created a solid foundation of the most potent traits of a leader. Are you an effective leader? Look at the traits below and rate yourself in each area. This will give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses and help you to focus on becoming an even better leader. Leaders are grounded. They know who they are and where they are going. They set the direction and pace for the organization and lead by example. World class leaders are reliable, trustworthy, genuine, real and positive. They make everyone... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L111 Tips For Leading Your Former Peers Leading people who were once your teammates can be a new leader’s biggest challenge. The following steps can help if you’re having problems: • Talk with the people. Ask them why they’re having problems with you. Are they jealous, disappointed, or just having trouble adjusting? Keep probing them — nonaggressively — until you reach the root of the problem. • Express your understanding of their feelings. Can you... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L112 Tips For Leaders If you have a team member who is unsure of himself, tends to hover in the background, and avoids risk, try the following coaching statements to draw out your wallflower. Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L113 The Top 10 Characteristics Of An Effective Leader Are YOU a Perfect 10? According to an opinion survey of 5,000 workers, employees look for the following characteristics in an effective leader: 1. Has the ability to give clear direction. 2. Practices candid, honest, and open communication; encourages two-way communication and creates a climate of trust. 3. Is willing to coach and support people. 4. Relates... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L114 Do you have the right mix of charisma and humility? Too much humility can weaken a leader. Too much charisma can be as bad, says executive coach Patrick Lencioni. To find out where you stand, answer "True" or "False" to each statement: 1. I believe others in my organization are as important as I am. 2. Praise doesn't bother me. 3. I respect others' time as much as my own. 4. I believe my leadership is a key factor in my... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L115 Do You Have Leadership Traits?
L116 The Top 10 Attributes of LeadersAre leaders “born” or can anyone learn to be a leader? The best leadership training for potential leaders should be the best training about leadership - what is entailed in being a leader, and what can go wrong, as well as what can go right. 1. Leaders are persons who, by word and/or personal example, markedly influence the behaviors, thoughts, and/or feelings of a significant number of their fellow beings, followers, or audience. The leader’s voices affect their worlds, and ultimately, our world. 2. The key to leadership is the effective communication of a... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L117 Leadership The Challenge People everywhere continue to look for the secret to becoming a better leader. Thousands of books and articles have been written on the art of leadership all claiming to have the "answers." The fact is there is no one answer, no "secret." However, some guiding principles and skills are fundamental to successful leaders everywhere. These skills, principles, and traits can be developed. Rate yourself in each area below, identify areas of weaknesses, and then create some goals and action steps to help you develop the successful leadership traits. • Leaders are grounded. They know who they are and where they are going. They set the direction and pace for the organization/department and lead by example. An effective leader helps to create an organization where everyone feels free to be... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L118 When Employees Set Standards When Andy Heck played football for head coach Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, he switched positions on the offensive line. It was a tough transition. One day, watching game films with the assistant coach, Heck complained about a negative grade the coach gave him for a play that Heck thought was OK. "Andy, I don’t think you’re an average player," the assistant coach said, stopping the film. "Do you want me to grade you as an average player so your mark will be positive? Or should I grade you as a great player, in which case your performance on that play was a minus? You choose." Heck chose "great player," and Holtz says "he immediately... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L119 The Top 10 Traits of Super Star Business People Emotional Intelligence is more important then IQ in superstar success. 1. They listen well and have great oral communication skills. They have mastered the art of listening, can hold off giving their opinion, and keep an open mind to what is being said. They also can speak in a positive, friendly and encouraging manner even when giving constructive feedback. 2. They are adaptable and have creative responses to setbacks and obstacles. These super star performers look creatively and hopefully at setbacks and turn those obstacles into opportunities. 3. Highly successful people have strong personal management skills and... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L120 Leading by Empowerment How often does your organization give employees responsibility without a clear direction or an understanding of the expectations? This can, and most often will, result in low productivity, confusion, and lack of results, that creates low morale and possibly high turn-over. However, employees that are empowered will produce amazing results in the workplace, and usually do it with a great attitude and enthusiasm. When leaders and managers empower effectively, they don't... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L121 Having trouble implementing change? Help employees put it in perspective. THE MAGIC PEBBLES By John Wayne Schlatter It is the habitual thought that frames itself into our life. It affects even more than our intimate social relations do. Our confidential friends have not so much to do in shaping our lives as the thoughts which we harbor. J.W.Teal "Why do we have to learn all of this dumb stuff?" Of all the complaints and questions I have heard from my students during my years in the classroom, this was the one most frequently uttered. I would answer it by recounting the following legend: One night a group of nomads was preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a bold, vibrant light. They knew they were in the presence... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L122 The Best Leaders Argue With Success We've all heard the adage "You can't argue with success." But if you don't question your own success, you're doomed to eventual failure. Here are some ways you and your staff can fight complacency: • Court complainers. Not all of your customers are happy. Bring in unhappy customers and let them speak directly to employees about product or service improvements. • Study the competition. Identify competitors that... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L123 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE LEADER It is by no means enough that a leader should be capable in his or her profession. He or she must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He or she should be as well a gentleman or gentlewoman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor. A leader should be the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L124 Implementing Change in the Workplace There is a saying that “the only thing constant is change.” All of us experience some form of extensive change in our lives and in the business world, change seems to be an ongoing endeavor to implement increased profitability and efficiency. This comes in the form of consolidation, downsizing, changing job descriptions and duties, automation, technological improvements, continuous improvement training and other measures to improve business results. However, many businesses and organizations ignore the first and foremost obstacle to change, which is the fact that virtually no one likes change. When employers execute a change in the work place, typical employee reactions are: Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L125 Follow These Steps to become an ideal leader As a leader in your organization, how much impact do you have on its performance? Probably more than you know. You may have been a leader for many years now, or recently promoted. Your organization may be a for-profit business or a church organization. It may be a not-for-profit community service organization or a local sporting organization. It matters not. What matters is that your leadership of your organization will directly impact the results you get. It has been said... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L126 Six Secrets to Creating Leadership Momentum No matter where you are in your career, taking the leadership role in your organization is a given. Here is the lesson about creating leadership momentum. It’s not about you, it’s about them. True leadership begins through valuing others. In working with many law firms, major corporations and associations, everyone plays a leadership role, from the receptionist all the way through the organization to the top dog. Does everyone on your... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L127 The Fear Factor Fear is big news these days and not just with the reality shows. A recent survey by Jericho Communications of over 20% of Fortune 1000 CEO’s revealed that 43% cited fear as the number one motivating factor while money motivated only 7%. Their collective response indicates a potential disconnect from what many people hear from today’s coaches and motivational speakers. In today’s self-help abounding society, we hear more about embracing the rewards and visualizing your achievements than we hear about using fear to achieve your goals. Yet according to these successful individuals, fear is what motivated them. How can we explain this “Fear Factor”? Possibly using the life Wheel may shed some light. The life wheel is comprised of 6 key areas: Mental, Physical, Family, Career/Financial, Social and Ethics/Beliefs. Using the graphic that has been provided, begin at the center and shade each area working from the center to the outer rim. The shaded area represents your potential, your satisfaction, or your happiness. You define the terms. The unshaded area is what... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L128 Forecasting for Growth To be effective as a leader, you must develop skills in strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a process whereby you learn how to make your business vision a reality by developing your abilities in team work, problem solving, and critical thinking. It is also a tool to help you confront change, plan for and make transitions, and envision new possibilities and opportunities. Strategic thinking is like making a movie. Every movie has a context (or story) which it uses to get you to experience a certain outcome (an emotion, in this case) at the end of the movie. Strategic thinking is much the same in that it requires you to envision what you want your ideal outcome to be for your business and then works backwards by focusing on the story of HOW you will be able to reach your vision. As you develop a strategic vision for your business, there are five different criteria that you should focus on. These five criteria will help you define your ideal outcome. In addition, they will help you set up and develop the steps necessary to make your business vision a reality. The following is a list of the five criteria of the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L129 Telework Has a Part-Time Future By the year 2010, more than half of American wage earners will spend more than two days a week working outside the office, reports the Sulzer Infrastructure Services firm in London. Today, 28 million people "telework" under formal company policies--a leap from 4 million in 1990--and millions more work informally out of the office one or more days a week. As inexpensive broadband Internet access and mobile technologies take hold, the number will increase, says Toni Kistner, managing editor of Net.Worker, a division of Network World magazine. "The technology has steamrolled ahead, making it cheaper and easier to work from anywhere." It will be rare even 10 years from now, however, to find people in any profession who... Members can read this entire article by clicking here L130 Internet Drives Shift To Leaderless Corporations
xpect more teamwork at the top. According to Business Week, truly leaderless corporations will continue to make more sense because the Internet allows information to be shared horizontally. In 1987, 28 percent of the largest 1,000 public companies boasted at least some self-directed groups, according to USC’s Center for Effective Organizations. By 1996, 78 percent had some. And the trend continues today. Some CEOs say they ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L131 The High Performance Work Force By Ryan Scholz President, Leadership Strategies Associates
eople can make a difference in the profitability and success of an organization. This is the conclusion reached in two recent books I have read – Peak Performance by Jon Katzenbach and Hidden Value by Charles A. O’Reilly and Jeffrey Pfeffer.
Katzenbach characterizes a high performance workforce as follows: 1) A large number (more than a third) of employees consistently exceed the expectations of their leaders and customers 2) The average worker performs better than the average competitors worker 3) A strong emotional commitment to higher standards and aspirations is reflected across the workforce 4) The collective performance of the workforce is a competitive advantage and is extremely difficult to copy
What then... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L132 Leading Through Downsizing
eading staff through downsizing, resizing, rightsizing, (or whatever the buzz word is today) requires the leader to exercise superior planning, judgment, and decision-making. It's a complicated task that involves the leader in recognizing the natural reactions of those that remain in the organization, and determining the right timing for moving the organization from the emotional reactions to a focus on the present and future. While it is difficult, the consequences of mis-managing or under-managing the situation are severe. Both management and staff will suffer if the timing is wrong, or managers deny or avoid dealing with the fall-out from downsizing. Here are some tips that will help:
٭ Take time to talk with the “survivors” (the remaining staff) and ask them how you can help them during this very emotional ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L133 “Learning Leadership from Rudy Giuliani”
re you wondering how to lead your staff during a crisis? Well former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani certainly showed us how to lead during a crisis. He gave us all comfort and direction leading us through the worst disaster in recent history. Here are only a few of the things Giuliani did correctly and what you can do when faced with a crisis: Ground Zero. In the aftermath of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, Rudy Giuliani stood tall at ground zero to console and encourage not only New York, but the entire country. All too often leaders hide behind closed doors, trying to turn things around, when they should be standing side by side within the crisis area inspiring their people to greatness. Identify the damage from the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L134 Word Count: 684 “Formal Leadership” (part 1) This is part one of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article. A Concept Of Leadership Throughout the years, volumes have been written which list and elaborate upon the characteristics of leaders. You need only check the literature on the subject to discover that there are as many characteristics, and combinations of characteristics, as there are leaders. With all their differences however, leaders do have some fundamental similarities. s Successful leaders have mastered the art of self-leadership and authenticity. Authenticity implies genuineness, reliability, and trustworthiness. s Successful leaders have taken the time to crystallize a personal vision of the future, which will become the foundation or cornerstone for a shared vision. They are able to attract as well as inspire commitment among the people whose collective effort will make this vision a reality. s Successful leaders understand how to align and maximize resources to realize the vision. The leader’s role is to create alignment between vision, strategy, structure, processes, and people with focus on attracting and maintaining a loyal customer base. As a leader, you must be many things to many people. First, you must have... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L135 Word Count:897 “Formal Leadership” (part 2) This is part two of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article. The Leader As Coach Vision alone is not enough. Much like a football team that is playing in the Super Bowl, having a game plan and the desire to win is important. However, winning depends upon execution. One of your primary roles as a leader is that of coach. Coaches reinforce the results they believe people are capable of achieving. One way to develop a winning team is to surround yourself with extraordinary people. Another is to surround yourself with ordinary people who, through your leadership and coaching, achieve extraordinary results. As Sam Walton once said, "…there's absolutely no limit to what plain, ordinary working people can do if they're given the opportunity and the encouragement and the incentive to be their best." As a coach, your role is to help people develop winning attitudes and improve their skills. A coach helps people see beyond the problems, the limitations, and the "known," to focus on solutions and opportunities which are sometimes found by venturing into the “unknown”. If you are going to create a winning team, you must be good at coaching. You must be able to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L136 Word Count: 385 Do You Consider Yourself A Great Leader? Why should they follow you?
eople follow leaders because they trust you and believe in you. They also have the confidence in you to take them to the next level. However, it only takes one incident to break the trust and have people looking for leadership in others and not in you. Also leaders are expected to: Hire the best most qualified people. People want to work with other top performers on teams and in departments. A good leader has the ability to bring out the best in everyone. 1 2 3 4 5 Not be controlling. Leaders of the... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L137 Word Count: 314 6 Steps To Overcoming Resistance To Change Transforming The Organization Series – Article 1
here may be people who will resist change because it is different or new. Resistance to change is a common and universal malady. Therefore, understanding some of the barriers to change may help in creating and implementing successful growth strategies. Some common barriers to change and innovation are: s Lack of data makes decision making difficult s Personal goals conflict with professional goals s Management behavior discourages implementation s Employees don’t understand or really want to make the change s Poor communication of vision, values, and mission s Recognition and appraisals are inconsistent with attaining goals s Unwillingness to develop new goals s Lack of process and structure Addressing resistance to change becomes a major focus and an integral part of a unified implementation strategy. To successfully implement change, several... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L138 Word Count: 330 Leading During Times Of Change Transforming The Organization Series – Article 2
f the many issues with which we wrestle each day, one certain truth is: the future “There is a story by Price Pritchett in which he recounts his experience of viewing firsthand All too often, we are like the fly. Instead of trying harder, doing the same things, we need to do different things. We must break the shackles of conformity, challenge the routine, and break out of existing paradigms. At the core of succeeding in today’s competitive environment is the ability to constantly improve, and reinvent the way we do business. The key to working smarter is knowing the difference between motion and direction, between activity and focused action. To lead, we must be adept at balancing what must... Members can read this entire article by clicking here L139 Word Count: 445 “How To Create Alignment In Your Company” Transforming The Organization Series – Article 3 This is the third article in our series Transforming The Organization.
lignment is the balanced harmony between interdependent people, When all critical components are aligned, results will continue to improve. If there is conflict between any two issues, there can be dissolution of the whole. For example, if you want to... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L140 Word Count: 551 “Valueship” Transforming The Organization Series – Article 4 Valueship is not a new concept. Those who are already leading successful companies are doing so because
Never before in history has Valueship been more important than it is today. Almost daily, role models, athletes, corporate leaders, and government officials are accused (and all too often convicted) of theft, drugs, or graft. Adultery is so common that many people give very little thought to the gravity or potential pain and loss it can... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L141 Word Count: 331 “Core Values” Transforming The Organization Series – Article 5
alues-based leadership begins with identifying core values. Core values are the basic principles which we have chosen to guide our actions. Core values define beliefs, standards, and acceptable behaviors. Once determined and communicated throughout the organization, they guide and govern the decisions and actions of the individuals and the organization. The core values shape the organizational culture and the behavior and actions of all who are associated with that organization. The core values provide the framework for decisions, priorities, and actions. Some examples of organization core values are: s Our integrity has not room for error. s We will conduct our business honestly. s Our “customers” must always be treated respectfully. s We believe that our employees are the key to our success. s Our actions will evidence trust, credibility, uncompromising integrity, and dignity of the individual. s We believe that our first responsibility is to our patients. The fours values of... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L142 Word Count: 803 “Identifying Values” This is the last article in the "Transforming the organization series". Article 6.
any people have given little more than a passing thought to identifying the values that govern their personal behavior, and even fewer organizations have done do. Instead, they accept the values of others or let situations determine the values. In almost all cases in which values are not clearly defined, good decisions are more difficult to make. Without values, people are easily influenced and decisions are subject to frequent change or compromise. "Situational values" confuse people, and create problems and complexity. Successful leaders make important decisions based on a set of core values...doing the right things for the right reasons. In an organization, personal values may differ. A leader will help everyone focus on a "common-good" value that will engender a desire for cooperation and team work, without invalidating those personal differences. What are your values? Can you easily and specifically identify them? What about the people throughout your organization? Are they committed to the organizational values? Take time to clarify or review the values you hold as a leader. Focus on what is really important to you, and ask yourself, "What are those few beliefs that I value so ... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L143 Word Count: 380 “Formal Leadership” This is part three of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article. The Leader As Mentor While many aspects of the mentoring role are similar to coaching, the significant difference lies in the mentor's advisory or teaching role. A mentor is a trusted advisor and tutor. Mentors share the benefit of their experience and knowledge. It is a critical role in developing individuals who will collectively be responsible for the success of the organization. As a mentor you should: s Seek innovation, s Encourage experimentation, s Reward appropriate risk taking, s Drive out fear, s Develop trust and full cooperation, and s Create an environment where everyone communicates freely, honestly, and positively. Establish an environment that... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L144 Word Count: 371 “Formal Leadership” This is part four of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article. The Leader As Director In the director’s role, the leader is like a symphony orchestra conductor. Everyone knows their part, comes in on cue, and maintains the tempo that has been established. The conductor does not play the instruments, that is the role of the musicians. Each musician does not decide when to play, that is the role of the conductor. The role of the conductor is to elicit the best possible individual performance in concert with the entire orchestra to create a symphony of sound. The conductor encourages and contributes to practice. Each individual knows his/her part. Each knows how critical that part is to the whole. The conductor brings each of the individual parts in at precisely the right time and place. The leader/director establishes the direction for the organization and for the people. This does not mean the leader is the authoritarian expert who... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L145 Word Count: 878 “Formal Leadership” This is part five of a five part series on Formal Leadership. Each concept works alone however; fits nicely with the other articles. Please contact us if you miss an article. Authority and Power Have you ever observed two individuals of equal position, rank, and authority in an organization? One seems to accomplish everything successfully and with ease, while the other seems to always be "under the gun," having a crisis, and a difficult time. The true leaders in any organization are easy to recognize. They're the ones who always seem to accomplish more with apparent ease. The key is their ability to get others to accomplish more than they thought they could. The effective leader is one who makes a difficult task look easy. An ineffective leader is one who makes a simple task look difficult. This phenomenon occurs at all levels in an organization. Improving your understanding of two concepts, authority and power, can help you to develop a more effective leadership style and help others to become better leaders. The terms authority and power have been used interchangeably over the years. However, power and authority are two very different concepts. Understanding each will help you to drive leadership skills throughout the organization. Power may be defined as the ability or capacity to act in ways which influence the behavior of others. It is a personal talent which can be developed. It is the ability to get others to do things. It has little or nothing to do with title, rank, or authority. Power is a measure of personal effectiveness. It is granted to you by those over whom you have influence. Power is earned and given by those who follow. Authority, on the other hand, defines limits and actions which you have the contractual right to take or use. It is granted to you by the organization as part of the organization’s attempt to control and manage. It is the right to settle disputes, to control operations, to make and implement decisions, and to administer or manage. It has little or nothing to do with the ability to influence the behavior or others. It is entirely possible to possess a great deal of power, while not possessing... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
L146 Word Count: 963 Building Success Attitudes And Habits For most people, developing positive attitudes about growth, innovation, and possibilities is not an easy process. It involves the formation of new habits which can take days, weeks, months, and even years before they become an integral part of our lives. The task is not easy, but it can be done. The process of change can be divided into three parts: First: Understand that attitudes are habits of thought that give some degree of internal satisfaction. Second: Analyze the habit as honestly as possible to learn what kind of satisfaction it provides. Third: Remember that the mind does not work in a vacuum – you can’t simply erase a habit and leave an empty space; therefore, you must replace the old habit with a new, more effective habit, which offers you greater satisfaction. To change your attitudes, you must be willing to sit down, and take an “inside-out” look at yourself. We are products of everything we have inherited and are exposed to. We are a product of family, friends, genes, parents, disasters, triumphs, role models, leaders, experiences, and more. By examining... Members can read this entire article by clicking here 147 Word Count: 677 “Collaborating For Results” (This is a part 1 of a 3 part series on effective collaboration.) “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Imagine an acoustical engineer, an electrical designer, a pilot, and a manufacturing engineer in a computer generated, virtual environment putting their heads together in to running jet engine simulation to offer their expert opinions on what they see. This is collaboration, and it is happening everywhere people think together about the same problem, situation, or goal. The technology for collaboration, created at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications Simulation, is being applied in industry to areas of scientific visualization, manufacturing design, rapid prototyping, and education. In a competitive environment, collaboration is critical to innovation, inspiration, and speed. Collaboration is a way of energizing people to work and think together. It is the exploration of multiple options from various perspectives. Collaboration is the process of people thinking and working together to discover ways to solve problems; address complex or cross-functional issues; improve processes, products or systems; or invent new ones. Creative, collective thinking applied to work we do leads to examination of how we do it, and how we can do it better. This means discovering new ways that are better, simpler, more efficient, or faster. You will discover many advantages to getting the individuals within your organization to collaborate with others and share their... Members can read this entire article by clicking here L148 Word Count: 659 “Rules For Collaboration” This is part two of a three part series on effective collaboration. As we embark upon a new era in business, an era that increasingly deals more with ideas than objects, we must focus upon creating learning organizations that acquire and apply knowledge, ideas, and improvement, AND do it quickly. More and more, speed is a significant factor in getting and maintaining a competitive advantage. Just having information is no longer enough. The information must be turned into ideas and improvements that can be implemented quickly. Collaboration is the key for better ideas, improvements, and quick implementation. Rules For Collaboration Consider the rules well. By just knowing and applying these three rules, you can influence your collaborations to go smoother and produce better results. Collaboration has three simple rules: s There must be shared space. s There must be common goals for collective effort. s The goals must drive toward tangible results, not just activity. For collaboration to occur, people must... Members can read this entire article by clicking here L149 Eight Key Leadership Strategies Peter Drucker, called by BusinessWeek “the most enduring management thinker of our time,” turned 96 this month. In a June 2004 Harvard Business Review article What Makes an Effective Executive?, Drucker said that, as different as effective leaders may be, they all follow 8 practices: 1. Focus on opportunities rather than problems. 2. Run productive meet 3. Think “we” rather than “I.” 4. Take... Members can read this entire article by clicking here
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t seems that one of the secrets to a productive workforce—and therefore a successful business—is an elusive thing called good morale. Just what is good morale? It usually refers to how your employees feel about their jobs, you and your business. And that can directly affect your bottom line.
So the next question would be: "What contributes to good morale in the work environment?"
It’s a myth that good employees care only about money. Money is important, but there are many items that contribute to an employee’s morale. Interestingly, some are so fundamental that we tend to miss them completely. For instance, do your employees feel:
Treated fairly and respectfully?
Valued and appreciated?
Recognized and possibly even rewarded for their work?
It shouldn’t take you long to realize that if you wish to attract, recruit and retain good employees, fair and respectful treatment is a given. Employees who do not feel valued and appreciated will either contribute less effort as time goes on, or leave for greener pastures where they will be appreciated.
Continued from page one - rewards
In addition, everyone likes to have achievements and efforts recognized. Even though personal satisfaction is usually generated from within ourselves, it is always more meaningful if someone else notices and shares the success. Thus the concept of recognition and rewards.
Rewards can motivate and encourage employees to contribute to their own success and that of your business. Now, we’re not talking big-ticket items like a car or trip to some exotic locale. On the contrary, employees are often delighted with a range of rewards that can be provided at little or no cost. Most importantly, ensure your program fits the culture and image of your company.
he most effective reward and recognition programs have ...
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Future Insights
Stay flexible. Change will be constant. New opportunities will present themselves. Unexpected challenges will throw themselves at you. Be ready to duck, bob, weave, side step, and hop-scotch. Agility is power.
Stay alert to your own environment. Even carefully watching the trends, we can't predict everything that will happen to you and your company. Futurists work at the "30,000 foot" level; corporate leaders operate at the mountain top level. Keep your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground.
Practice "Future Thinking." Always look ahead in everything you do. Anticipate, project. Consider the future consequences of every decision you make. Train and encourage your executives, managers, and supervisors to think the same way. Build this kind of active futures perspective into your company's culture.
Clarify your mission. While consultants have ...
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Future Insights
Beware of empires. Guard against any manager building a bureaucratic dynasty that gets in your way of performance. Cross-train your people, enable them to work productively together across departmental or functional lines. Stay fluid and flexible.
Emphasize personal and professional growth. Establish and maintain a learning environment. Use education, training, and development to help every worker become more competent, more confident. Link personal and corporate growth objectives to build the congruency that bonds people to your company. When people can meet their personal needs through their employment with you, they'll be more likely to stay.
Show appreciation. Tomorrow's employees, like today's, are hungry for appreciation. Thank your people every day. Be sincere and specific. Train all your managers and supervisors to follow your example, consistently. Seek creative ways to show you care.
Use contingent workers. Let go of the ...
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Developing A High-Performance Culture?
In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy stated that he wanted to send a man to the moon and bring him back safely by the end of the decade; a pretty lofty goal. Senator George Smathers from Florida agreed with the “lofty goal” part. So, before voting to secure funds for the initiative, he wanted to make sure he made the right decision. He visited Cape Canaveral to do a bit of detective work on his own. After much time, observation, questioning and exploration he still had not made a decision.
At the end of the day he saw a worker cleaning up and asked what her job was. Her reply was simple, “I’m part of a team that’s going to send a man to the moon and bring him back safely by the end of the decade.” Decision made!
This is an example of strategic alignment at its best. Everyone knows the organization’s charge, and all of the stars are in alignment (strategic intention: systems, processes, leadership, management, expectations, authority, responsibility, individual empowerment and supportive behavior). But what happens when the stars are misaligned; when the systems and departments are out of sync? What happens when a department exists for the good of itself and individuals behave selfishly rather than for the greater customer and organizational good?
The simple fact is that the more an organization’s systems and processes are aligned with its strategic intention—and all of the employees support this alignment behaviorally—the greater the opportunity for success.
In fact, if the plan is sound, it’s almost impossible to fail no matter how ambitious the organization or that plan is—even if that includes sending a man to the moon.
Organizations are complex entities. Effective leadership calls for ...
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L159
Word Count: 596
The Qualities of Skillful Leadership
"If you wish others to believe in you, you must first convince them that you believe in them." -- Harvey Mackay
If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills, and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. I call leadership the great challenge of life.
What's important in leadership is refining your skills. All great leaders keep working on themselves until they become effective. Here are some specifics:
1) Learn to be strong but not rude. It is an extra step you must take to become a powerful, capable leader with a wide range of reach. Some people mistake rudeness for strength. It's not even a good substitute.
2) Learn to be kind but not weak. We must not mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is a certain type of strength. We must be kind enough to tell somebody the truth. We must be kind enough and considerate enough to lay it on the line. We must be kind enough to tell it like it is and not deal in delusion.
3) Learn to be bold but not a bully. It takes boldness to win the day. To build your influence, you've got to walk in front of your group. You've got to be willing to take the first arrow, tackle the first problem, and discover the first sign of trouble.
4) You've got to learn to be ...
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B176 & M144
Word Count: 776
How To Run An Effective Business Meeting!
How productive are your business meetings? Would you describe the culture that governs your meetings to more resemble World War III or crazy chaos? During a meeting, do you focus on the agenda at hand or do you concentrate more on breaking a foam cup into bits? Would you qualify eating all of the donuts in a meeting as a major accomplishment in your agenda? If these meeting scenarios sound familiar to you, you are not alone! Many studies have shown that more time is wasted in meetings than in any other business activity. It is estimated that people spend 20-40% (upper management is much more) of their time in meetings and that meetings are only 44-50% efficient (source: Steve Kaye). By improving the efficiency of your next meeting, you may increase your bottom line.
The first step in improving the efficiency of your business meetings is to recognize that meetings are a collaborative effort. The very definition of a meeting is a TEAM activity where SELECT people gather to perform WORK that requires GROUP effort. All participants of a meeting, therefore, must play a role in remaining focused and progressing through the meeting in a timely manner.
Before calling a meeting, it must first be ...
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L160 & SP125
Word Count: 411
Fueling Personal Accountability
Maximize Results through Motivated People
A major responsibility of leaders in organizations has always been to develop plans and lead their people in successful execution. Today’s business environment presents additional challenges to leaders in that change happens faster and more continuously than ever before! This means an increased need for effective and frequent planning, and a smaller margin of error for plans that fail to produce results. We all realize this is a given in today’s business environment.
In addition, have you noticed that the people who make your plans work have also changed? For example, their interpretation of “following the leader” has taken a new direction. In our workplace today, ...
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L161
Word Count:
405
Discover Why Great Leaders Challenge Success
As you look at why people and companies are successful, you quickly realize that they question everything.
WHY?
If you don’t know why you are successful, and what helped get you there, you may be doomed for failure.
Great leaders know this fact and constantly question, challenge, test, and duplicate their successes.
Here are some tips to help you become more successful:
· Customer surveys and group meetings. Implement an annual or bi-annual survey of your customers and find out what they like, what they don’t like, and what you can improve. Another effective way to illicit this information is to have meetings with your customers and brainstorm ways to improve. (Think about what Ford did with the Taurus. The vehicle was a direct result of consumer’s suggestions). Pay close attention to the customers that are unhappy. Let them speak about what they would like to see improved. Then fix it. Whenever possible, allow employees and key personnel to be present.
· Conduct an ...
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L162
Word Count: 840
Achieving Better Execution
Executives in businesses of all sizes have experienced disappointment and frustration when trying to drive changes to achieve maximum business results. Many executives know and acknowledge that their biggest challenge is executing their plans.
Achieving Better Execution (ABE) is an ongoing series of principles that, when applied, lead to better results. I discovered these principles over 20 years as a leader of, participant in, and witness to change initiatives in companies ranging from start-ups to $20 billion in annual sales, in many industries, private and public, and profit and nonprofit. Implementing each principle will have a positive impact on your bottom line. Collectively, they produce dramatic results.
Principle V – State your goals the SMART WAY.
The first step in successfully executing a goal is to state it properly. You know your goal is well stated when anyone who reads it knows exactly what you are trying to accomplish and in what time frame. The better a person states the goal, the easier it is to create the action plan. An acronym commonly used for stating a goal properly is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistically high, and Time-based).
While these criteria seem simple, they are actually not easily achieved. If they were, everyone would be reaching a lot more of their goals. Very briefly, let us discuss what each of these criteria really means:
· Specific – You say exactly what it is you want to do. Hazy goals are doomed to failure. For example, “We are going to establish a new training program for our supervisors by 10/1/XX.” You are not defining what you want to train them to do.
· Measurable – The goal must be stated in a way that allows you to definitely know whether it has been achieved. In addition, you should ...
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L163 & SP127
Word Count: 796
Align Your Organization for SUCCESS
Successful organizations and leaders continually look for ways and areas to improve in order to create a competitive edge. Competing in today’s ever-changing, increasingly global marketplace, challenges organizations to make the best use of their resources. To meet this challenge, savvy leaders invest in developing the strategy, people and processes to most effectively meet their goals.
Contrary to popular belief, organizations do not exist to make a profit. Organizations exist to develop loyal customers by providing valuable solutions and positive experiences. Money and profit is the reward for doing this well. The organizations expending the least amount of resources to achieve their goals have a distinct advantage. That advantage translates to increased revenues, customer loyalty and profit. What do these successful organizations have in common? Their leaders relentlessly pursue the maximum degree of organizational alignment.
What Is Organizational Alignment?
Your car wouldn’t get far if all the wheels pointed in different directions! Yet that’s how many organizations operate—the wheels (resources including time, employees, activities, etc.) aren’t aligned, so the vision is an unattainable destination. Experience shows that the interrelationships between processes and departments are key predictors of overall success. Alignment is when all ...
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B189 & L164
Word Count: 161
Is the economy really in as bad of shape as the media is telling us?
Watch any news program or listen to any radio station and all you hear is how bad our economy is and that there is no relief in sight.
Is it really that bad? How do we know?
We would like to get your opinion!
Please take a couple of minutes to answer the following questions and e-mail them to us.
1. Are the fears of an economic downturn due to the media?
2. Have you changed your lifestyle to accommodate for these challenges?
3. Is business down over last year and is it due to the economy or increased competition in your marketplace?
4. Have you taken your money out of the bank due to fears of a financial crash?
5. Do you think that our perceived slow economy is because it is an election year?
Please e-mail your answer to:[[E-mail Address:200]] Thank You! [[Company: 25]]
(This survey is set up to engage your readers)
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L164
Word Count: 120
Leadership Lessons from the Ant
(Proverbs 6:6-8)
Do
you want to make a difference? Then pay attention to the metaphor of the ant. It’s amazing that one of the smallest of God’s creatures can become one of His greatest teachers. The lessons the ant teaches us can be summarized this way:
A-Attitude of Initiative
Ants don’t need a commander to tell them to get started.
N-Nature of Integrity
Ants work faithfully and need no outside accountability to keep them doing right.
T-Thirst for Industry
Ants work hard and will replace their anthill when it gets ruined.
S- ...
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L165
Word Count: 462
Top 12 Qualities of True Business Professionals
Professionalism is a word embraced by many, but in all honesty demonstrated by far fewer individuals. Its Latin's origins come from the word profess which means, "to avow before." So the question is what are these individuals who believe themselves to be true professionals avowing before? Possibly the answer may be found within the word professional.
1. P = Positively proactive. Professionals demonstrate behaviors that are positive and proactive instead of negative and reactive.
2. R = Respect. Through this ethic and value of respect, professionals are known and trusted within and without their respective organizations.
3. O - Opportunities to help others. Those who avow before understand they have a responsibility to help others whether it is to grow self leadership skills or provide some expert advice.
4. F - Follow-up. No one ...
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B196
Word Count: 695
The Faster YOU Grow, The Faster YOUR BUSINESS Will Grow
What do you want for your business during the next twelve to twenty-four months? Increased Revenues…Greater Customer Retention…Better Margins???? Common objectives, but where do you start? Savvy business owners develop highly effective strategy, people and processes. The savviest also recognize the impact their own personal and professional achievement has on business results.
Why? It’s been said that the only sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to learn faster than your competition. It’s also true that the leader sets the tone for the team. That means it’s critical to stay at the top of your game. Successful leaders regularly take a high level look at their business. A similar personal assessment is also good business practice.
Think of it as a holistic approach to great results. Evaluate, develop and balance organizational, professional, and personal capabilities to get the competitive edge you need.
Leading others and your business is only part of the picture. As a leader, the most important person you lead is YOU. Mastering SELF LEADERSHIP enables you to most effectively lead others.
How much of your personal wealth is tied up in your business? If the answer is much, most or all, it’s even more critical to incorporate personal development into your strategy. YOU are the most critical ingredient in your personal and business success formula and you can’t afford to skimp on your own development.
How to Begin—How do you become a better ...
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M148
Word Count: 398
Providing Opportunities for Employee Engagement
Employees who have a passion for what they do are practically self-engaging. In other words, they seek out reasons to stay engaged in their job and with the company. But what about those employees who aren’t quite as passionate, for whatever reason? The fact of the matter is that you can lead them down the road to engagement just by providing opportunities for them to do so.
Many times, employees don’t need a reason to become engaged. What they really need is the chance to become engaged. Below are five ways in which you can provide opportunities to do just that.
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SP129
Word Count: 337+202
Business Process Improvement For Better Results
Business Process Improvement (BPI) is a structure which allows companies to know the process to getting better and more efficient results to make money. This is a business dream to always know the best method to increase your bottom line. When a business wants to increase revenue, a business process improvement strategy is very important to research. There are many companies who have tried this in the past and have succeeded. The basic elements in the business process improvement plan are:
1. Understand your company’s business current process- This is what you need to know before even thinking to change or modify any business process improvement plan that has already been implemented. Knowing what the current situation of your business is right now is very important for the success of the plan. If you don’t have an idea of what they are, then your planning will not succeed. Always know this before by looking into your company’s archives. This could be achieved very easily if you know where to look.
2. Road map- Having a plan of action, or “road map” to ...
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L166
Word Count: 427
Shared Leadership
If you look at the most successful teams in any sport, you will find a common bond within the team. Sometimes, it is called chemistry – as if just the right mix of chemicals has created a special new formula. Other times, it is postulated that there was strong leadership provided by key players and everyone else responded favorably to their lead or “charisma”.
I believe there is merit to the leadership issue – with one notable exception. If a team begins to heavily rely upon their selected or anointed leader – they become dependent upon the leader for their overall performance. While great leaders are necessary and very helpful to raising performance standards – true leadership for high performance teams is shared leadership.
Let me explain…when a team has “a” leader, the team becomes dependent upon the leader for their confidence and most importantly – their “will” to win! This is fine as long as the leader is focused, injury-free and having a good game. However, if the leader is ...
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L167 & B199
Word Count: 453
The Cost of Keeping Non-Performers
You may be surprised on the amount of money that is wasted when you have non-performers in your business. With businesses feeling the economic crunch, it is important to be able to recognize those who are hard workers, and those who are only costing you money. There are many reasons why eliminating the non-performers in your business is a smart business move.
Here are some reasons why you should not keep the non-performers in your company:
1. They Cause Bad Customer Service- If you have a non-performer in your place of business, their attitude is going to show to your clientele. The non-performers won’t feel impelled to give good customer service and often don’t want to do anything to help the company. Your clientele doesn’t want to deal with someone who is not catering to their needs, especially when they are buying from you. As the business owner, you must address these issues before your clientele starts using your competitor(s).
2. They Cost You A Lot Of Money- When a non-performer is not doing his or her job, it is costing you money and productivity. Plus, you ...
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L168
Word Count: 570
Six Keys to Unleashing Awesome Leadership
For many years we have been studying leadership, and it is the topic of development courses, books, workshops, keynote speeches, blogs, and so forth. Are leaders born or made? Who are our best examples of leadership? Is good leadership different today than twenty years ago? Who was a better leader: Lincoln or Patton?
We read the Harvard Business Review, participate in social media on the topic, belong to Mastermind Groups, and participate in forums to the point where the term “leadership” has almost become weak from overuse. I recently received a complimentary copy of “The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus”. Come on, people, how far is this going to go? How much longer will we exploit the topic of leadership while we change nothing in the places that really matter (Our governments, businesses, communities, and families)?
The fact remains that the more we study leadership, the fewer examples of great leadership we see. Are we simply more aware because bad leadership has been exposed recently, or are our leadership skills getting worse? Possibly both.
So, let’s take ...
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